Teams are organized by Zip code, age and weight of the player.

See League Rules for the Weight Chart by Age and Division.

Practice for the season begins in March for spring football and August for fall football.

Each team plays six (6) (in spring) or seven (7) (in fall) regular season games before single-elimination playoffs begin.  Teams selected for playoffs are by league invitation only.

The goal of the NYFL is to provide a structured competitive sporting environment for tackle football in which any child, who has an interest in playing organized sports, will be able to do so upon passing a basic physical examination.  It is also the goal of the NYFL to teach players responsibility, accountability and sportsmanship and provide a sense of belonging, family values and an alternative to gangs, crime and drugs.

The NYFL features "Must Play" rules to ensure everyone gets a share of plays in each game, and to participate in healthy competition, which includes the opportunity for achievement, recognition and pride in one's accomplishments.

Children benefit in various ways from the sound lessons and values taught by the NYFL programs.  Many children today are either from one-parent homes or from homes where both parents work, creating the need for supervised extra curricular activities after school and in the summer months.  The NYFL provides an opportunity for children to participate in an adult supervised activity that will teach them the essential skills necessary in their continued personal, community and academic development.  The NYFL feels it is vital to teach today's youth respect for authority, personal and community responsibility, accountability and sportsmanship.  Participation provides an opportunity for children to realize their potential and abilities, and to receive positive reinforcement and recognition when they have done so.